Cold comfort

The Antarctic is the most unspoiled continent on earth. And at the foundation of its ecosystem is the Atlantic krill, which sustains entire populations of penguins, seals and whales. They also play a critical role in carbon storage and drawdown.

But industrial fishing of krill to be used in omega-3 supplements, aquaculture and pet feed threatens the stability of this already vulnerable ecosystem. These effects are only exacerbated by climate change.

That’s why Blue Marine Foundation supports Our Antarctica – an initiative that aims to ban fishing in the Southern Ocean. As part of the campaign, it’s mobilised the ‘Antarctic Avengers’ –a group of scientists, ocean leaders, photographers and policymakers to ensure the oceans of the southern hemisphere are protected.

Photographer Andy Mann – whose images grace these pages – is an Avenger. He says: “We like to think there are still wild places left in the world, untouched and intact. But the truth is, even the furthest reaches of Antarctica are now in the path of extractive industries, like krill fishing. And it’s the most vulnerable species – and the most vital systems – that are paying the price. That’s why I’m standing up for Antarctica, because we have a responsibility to do better.”